Paddy Pimblett has reacted to Conor McGregor’s devastating injury loss to Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329.
McGregor returned to the Octagon for the first time in over four years today, facing Holloway in a welterweight rematch at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. However, the comeback lasted just over a minute.
‘The Notorious‘ wanted to start the bout aggressively, but disaster struck when McGregor attempted a jumping roundhouse kick and landed awkwardly on his right leg. He immediately lost balance and appeared to suffer a serious knee injury.
Although McGregor briefly tried to continue and engaged in a short grappling exchange with Holloway, he was visibly compromised and unable to properly stand or move. Referee Mike Beltran eventually stepped in and waved off the contest, awarding Holloway a first-round TKO victory.
The defeat marked McGregor’s third consecutive loss and extended his winless run to more than six years, with his last victory coming against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 in January 2020.
Paddy Pimblett says long layoff may have contributed to Conor McGregor’s injury
Speaking at the UFC 329 post-fight press conference, Paddy Pimblett sympathized with the former two-division champion. ‘The Baddy’ said:
“I think because he hasn’t fought in so long, his body couldn’t keep up with it. I feel bad for him, he’s put so much into coming back. You’ve gotta feel for him.”
The Liverpool native also enjoyed a successful night at UFC 329, submitting Benoit Saint Denis in the first round of their co-main event to further strengthen his standing in the lightweight division.
For ‘Blessed’, the victory was a historic one. The former featherweight champion avenged his unanimous decision loss to McGregor from their first meeting in 2013 and handed the Irishman another setback in his long-awaited return.
Meanwhile, questions are once again being raised about McGregor’s future in the sport following another injury-related defeat and a third straight loss inside the Octagon.
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